title: Privileged communication: psychiatric/mental health nurses and the law.
abstract: This article examines the issues of confidentiality and privileged communication as they relate to psychiatric/mental health nursing practice. It includes a discussion of statutory and case law, arguments for and against privileged communication, and several examples of how these issues effect psychiatric/mental health nurses and their practice.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D035846:Law Enforcement; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D014481:United States